When I was little, there was a song I loved to sing:
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”
I can still remember the words and the hand motions from Sunday School, and the childlike confidence that our light was meant to shine.
And the truth is—we don’t outgrow that calling.
Jesus said:
“No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.” (Matthew 5:15 NLT)
That light? It’s the hope we hold because of Him, and sometimes it appears in the simplest moments.
A Light in an Unexpected Place
It was just an ordinary day shopping.
I walked into one of my favorite department stores and saw something that instantly made me smile—a store associate and a customer greeting each other with a warm, enthusiastic hug. Not the polite kind… the kind shared between old friends.
The joy between them was contagious.
The associate saw me and called out a cheerful welcome. I laughed and said, “Wow, I didn’t know customers got that kind of greeting here! Does everyone get a hug like that?”
With a grin, she opened her arms and said, “Sure!” And just like that, I found myself wrapped in a spontaneous hug from a stranger.
It was a little unusual, but exactly what I needed. That day had felt gray and heavy, and in that moment, everything shifted. It wasn’t just about the hug. It was about being seen.
As I walked through the store, this verse came to mind:
“Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.”
(Romans 12:10 NLT)
We often overlook the impact of small acts of love—a smile, a kind word, a brief moment of connection.
These things matter more than we realize, especially in a world that often feels rushed, impersonal, and divided. By midlife, we start to see that the way we live each day truly makes a difference.
A Light in the Middle of Grief
Shortly after Christmas, our home was shaken by an unexpected loss.
Our beloved dog, Zoey—our German Shepherd mix—passed away suddenly. She had just turned 13 and still had that playful, puppy-like energy. She was my shadow… my constant companion when I was home alone.
The grief was immediate and raw.
If you’ve ever lost a pet, you know—it’s not “just a dog.” It’s a daily presence. A comfort. A part of your rhythm.
That morning, I shared the news with my Bible study group. And later that morning, my friend Jess showed up at my door. She brought a card and a small gift—a ceramic piece of a dog sheltered inside an angel’s wing.
It was simple, yet sacred. She didn’t try to fix anything or search for the “right words.” She just showed up.
And in that moment, her kindness became a light in a very dark place.
You Carry More Light Than You Think
I keep thinking about that childhood song had it right all along—we’re meant to let our light shine. Not in big, flashy ways, and not in ways that seek attention, but in everyday, faithful, intentional moments.
Be kind, share a smile, and take the time to connect. Even a small gesture can make someone feel noticed and appreciated. Because you never know what someone is carrying.
And you never know when your small act of kindness might be the very thing that lifts the weight for just a moment.
Journaling Prompts
- When was the last time someone showed you unexpected kindness? How did it affect you?
- Where in your daily routine could you be more intentional about showing kindness?
- Is there someone in your life right now who may need encouragement or comfort?
Disclosure: The feature image was created by AI and does not represent any real people, locations or events.
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